District Collector L. Madhubalan has cautioned powerloom owners and weavers in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, against producing textile products reserved exclusively for the handloom sector under the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985.
According to the Collector, manufacturing any of the 11 textile categories reserved for handloom production on powerlooms is a violation of the law including silk and cotton sarees and dhotis with zari borders, towels and angavastrams, lungis, blankets, bedspreads and furnishing fabrics, jamakkalams, dress materials, woollen blankets, shawls, woollen tweed, and chaddars.
He warned that violations would invite legal action, with offenders liable to prosecution through the police. Under the Act, courts may impose a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 for each powerloom involved, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
According to the Collector, the legislation was introduced by the Union Government to protect the handloom industry and preserve the livelihoods of handloom weavers.
He added that an Enforcement Wing has been operating under the Assistant Enforcement Officer’s office in Tiruchengode since 1998 to monitor compliance with the Act.
The Collector also urged powerloom operators and weavers to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, and ensure full compliance while undertaking production.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
